Harold Dennis Freeman, known as Dennis Freeman (April 23, 1940-November 23, 2007) was elected mayor of historic Logansport in 1984. He remained mayor until his death in 2007. His contribution to the little town on the Sabine River, on the western most river border of DeSoto Parish, is significant. For over sixteen years, he worked patiently with highway officials in Louisiana and Texas to construct a new border bridge over the Sabine River, now during the term of his wife, Mayor Katherine Freeman, that project, he worked so hard on, is a reality. He helped to establish the first fire and ambulance districts in DeSoto Parish. And his long term vision was the development of a Logansport River Front Park. During his term many aspects of the River Park were began and completed, it was a work in progress. Now with his passing, the Town of Logansport, continues to embrace his vision, and is continually developing a vision of its own.
The River Park he helped develop was dedicated to his memory on July 4th 2008; named in his honor the Dennis Freeman Memorial Riverfront Park, continues to evolve. A bronze marker to his memory is located just east of the park fountain among the many beautiful flowers; on it is inscribed “If you only look at what is, you might never attain what could be.” (Anonymous) This best describes his attitude about Logansport.
The Dennis Freeman Memorial River Park is located at 102 Veterans' Park Memorial Drive, Logansport, Louisiana 71049 in western DeSoto Parish. The Sabine River forms the western boundary of the park.
